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Ai Weiwei “released” but Beijing closes in on dissidents
The artist has been released from jail but he is not free. He can not talk to the press and can not leave the house. In a message sent via the Internet to some of his friends he writes: "I can not even go to the bathroom alone." China continues its crackdown on internal dissidence.
Beijing (AsiaNews) - Ai Weiwei has been released from jail but he is not free. After months of mysterious seclusion, the Chinese artist returned to his home in Beijing, from where, however, he can not move. "I'm fine - he says - very glad I to be freed again". A very limited freedom, since he can not talk to the press or leave his house for a year.
His release came on bail and has been a surprise: the artist who designed the famous "Swallow's nest" stadium for the Olympics in Beijing, is known for his criticism of the government. After more than two months of detention at an undisclosed location, he returned home.
"I am free on bail, therefore can not provide any information. I can not give interviews, "he said. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong You, "the bail is valid for one year and during this period, Ai Weiwei will be investigated. He can not leave his house without permission nor leave Beijing. "
This is because, the official added, "Ai has to respond without delay to court summonses, without destroying evidence." According to news agency New China, the dissident was released because of his "good conduct" and that he "confessed his crimes" of tax evasion, but also due to his chronic diabetes.
A source for AsiaNews, who knows him personally, has received a message from the artist via the Internet: "The police is stationed not only outside but also inside his home. He can not even go to the bathroom alone. The release is a farce, orchestrated to keep the international public happy. "
In fact, the Chinese attitude towards dissidents is worsening day by day. Xu Zhiyong, a lawyer known for his battles on behalf of human rights, was first arrested - on the day of the release of Ai, on 22 June, and then released in the night. He did not speak with anyone and has been confined to his home, also controlled by the police.